SHOP BULBS & PEONY TUBERS TILL JULY 4TH!

FAQs

Welcome to our FAQ page! Can't find the info you're looking for?
Please email us at barnswallowflowers@gmail.com 

 

THE COMPOSTABLE VASE FAQs

The compostable vase is for sale as prototype 1.0! Anyone can purchase the vase for any floral use during our Beta Testing phase. You don't have to be a professional florist to purchase and use our vase. We welcome all with various levels of talents and expertise to experience the vase. 
.
How can the compostable vase be used? 
  • CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Vases
  • Farmers' Market Vases
  • Insert Vessels for Event Rental Compotes
  • Educational Workshop Vases 
  • Child Friendly Floral Workshops
  • Post Floral Event Vases 
  • Dried Everlasting Arrangements
  • Greenery Assortments for Holiday Decor
How long will the compostable vase last once filled with water?

In our experience in using prototype 1.0, the vase once filled with water will last 2-3 weeks and possibly longer based on varying degrees of weather and temperature shifts of your local climate. In Iowa, we sold the vase in all types of weather and temperatures to hundreds of customers with no complain. We advise watching our tips and trick video for more information on the product pages. 
.
When will prototype 2.0 be available?

Farmer Meredith is working with materials engineers and manufacturing entities to create an upgrade. Since more testing is needed with prototype 2.0, your feedback is greatly appreciated. However, there is no requirement to give feedback. Simply by purchasing you are supporting this movement. 
For further information, please head to our Beta Testing Information page below! 

 


PRIVATE TOURS FAQs
Do you offer private tours and you-pick events?

Yes! From July-September. Please check out our page Private Tours & You Picks for more information. Those that book an AirBnB stay at The Barnswallow Cottage receive a FREE you-pick event during their stay. 
.
.
.

 PICK YOUR OWN FLOWERS FAQ's! 
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

  • Flowers have the best vase life if cut in the morning (before 12pm) or late evening (after 6pm). This is why we only offer you-picks at this time. Water & compostable vases will be ready upon arrival. Flowers will wilt if you don’t place them in water right after you cut.
  • We have a few pairs of pruners, but please bring your own if you have available. We will expect pruners be returned or they can be purchased for $20 on site.
  • If your vase tips over and spills, the water can be replenished.
  • Think of how you will transport your vases home in the event you do more than one vase. Cardboard boxes, buckets or milk crates work great!
  • Flowers like air conditioning and need to be kept out of direct sun. After picked, they don’t like the blow around in the open air/wind.
  • Wear proper closed-toe shoes. The walking rows are grass/dirt/mulch and the ground has some uneven places.
  • Some of the flowers are supported with line or netting, PLEASE be careful and try not to cut this netting.
  • All children under 16 must be supervised by an adult. PLEASE keep an eye on your children when they are using pruners.
  • Bathroom on site and water available for purchase. Picnics are also allowed. 
  • Please be respectful and do not bring your dog or other pets with you unless it is a registered see & eye/service dog. Have other service dog needs? Please contact Meredith directly for further assistance before your visit. 

A FEW YOU-PICK RULES

 

  • WHAT ELSE IS FOR SALE? We will have things for purchase inside The Little Blue barn, including flower arrangements, bags, snippers, etc. 
  • CAN I BRING MY OWN VASE? Barnswallow will provide a compostable vase and/or bucket that fits the size for the allotted amount of flowers chosen for you-pick. If you are picking over 1 gallon in size, we advise brining a bucket for vehicle transport home.
  • NO ENTRANCE TO FARM BUILDINGS. The farmhouse, garage, greenhouse, machine shed, potting shed, and barns are off limits. Entrance is not permitted at this time. 
  • NO DOGS or PETS PLEASE! We have our own friendly dog, Bella, as well as farm cats. If you have a service dog, please let us know so we can kennel Bella as she will want to make quick friends with your working dog. 
  • PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OUR PROPERTY. This is our home and farm operation. Please do not destroy personal property or leave trash or cigarette butts (no smoking) in our field.
  • CHILDREN UNDER 16. Keep your children close and under supervision. Please help them in understanding the process and do not let them destroy the flowers. 
  • WEATHER. In the event of inclement weather (rain or severe weather), the event will be cancelled and a notice will be posted on social media. If there is severe weather during the event, the farm will ask attendees to seek shelter at the farm. If necessary, a basement safe space will be provided. 
  • ALL ARE WELCOME. No harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind is tolerated by Barnswallow & Co., LLC. All are welcome to the farm in any/all capacities. If a guest is determined to be in violation of these farm values, they will be asked to leave the property immediately. Refusal to leave will result in involving law enforcement removing you from the premises.